wintry warnings. the purple is whether by injuries. the pink is weather warnings. just some thin clouds. 43-36. overnight, more clouds low volume. 28 to 36 is the range. tomorrow rain or rice. it is all about the location. >> a mistrial has been declared in the case of a serial killer. >> jason scott was on trial for two murders but he is also suspected in mother-daughter killings. >> a dramatic courtroom development in prince georges county in this high-profile case. jason scott has been on trial since last tuesday. accused of killing a mother and daughter from largo in spring of

2009. both of those of women's bodies found in a burning car. he is also a suspect that has not been charged in three other killings. officials confirmed a detective mentioned while on the stand the witncommendations that have been linked to the suspect. the judge had apparently clearly stated earlier in the trial that only one home invasion was admissible. since that statement was possibly prejudicial he declared a mistrial. scott, a former ups worker and resident of upper marlboro is not going anywhere. he is also serving a 100 year federal prison sentence on a laundry list of unrelated charges including burglary, robbery, and sex crimes. officials will retry jason scott likely sometime in mid-october. jury selection will be sometime around the middle of that month.

we're live in upper marlboro. abc 7 news. >> five months after prince george's teenager was killed while walking to school, police have a suspect in custody. travon bennet ist is charged. how the victim's family is reacting. >> his mother is saying that she is thankful that an arrest has been made. and has been a nightmare five months. she had to see the teddy bears at the murder scene every day. she said the rest will not bring her son back. all elizabeth ross has of her son is 18 years of joyful memories and a big display cabinet in her living room. >> he was my little angel. that is why i have my different things. >> there are flags from his funeral, a sculpture he made

himself and a digital picture frame. filled with smiles. which picture deal like best? marquel ross was gunned down as he walked to school. for months his case was a frightening mystery. and late last fall police arrested travon bennett. they found again, matching the one that was used to kill marquel ross. officials have enough to charge bennett. >> the message here is no matter how long it takes we will find him. we will bring you to justice and we will hold you accountable. >> police believe bana is responsible for rash of muggings and shootings. the streets are safe for tonight, the chief said that there is no less sadness in elizabeth ross's home. >> some small sense of relief.

does not give me cloture. -- it does not give me closure. >> the suspect in this case turns 20 today. today is his birthday. police have charged him with three other armed robberies including one that took place the day before fitmarqul marquel ross was murdered. >> he is one of six students. the most recent killing, last week. no arrests have been made in stanley's killing or aaron kidd. >> were learning new details about a murder suicide that happened yesterday morning at a home on flore avenue. based on autopsy reports it appears that david draa shot and killed his friend kyle kickman.

-- hickman. the police have work together. draa served in the marine corps and apparently suffered severe trauma during his tour of duty. >> we are a number of days away from sequestration. the white house has a different figures as to which -- what states lives in funding. maryland and the district also taking severe gets. we have a look at the programs that are taking the biggest cuts across the area. >> defense affects most of those figures and by far will impact the most people here. according to the white house second on that list goes to education. with almost half of the education cuts affecting students with disabilities. >> yes, it is stuff that was donated. >> selinie founded the lollipop

foundation. donating wheelchairs and other equipment to families in need. she has known firsthand the challenges of having a child with special needs. just getting her son of the school bus takes extra effort as do most aspects of her life that most people take for granted. >> you have to transport and feed them and the them. >> ryan goes to public school in montgomery county. >> most are good at providing what is needed. the only time at issue -- we now when there is a budget cut. >> which makes the thought of more education cuts tough. especially when the sequestration would affect students with disabilities. 24 million worth of cuts. >> if they're cutting as much as they're talking about i do not know how they will serve the children. that are in the school system. >> her fear means that less

students mean -- money needsmeans less staff. quex in virginia the cuts are spread evenly. $14 million in cuts for primary and secondary education. here the cuts for students with disabilities is more than double everyone else. >> right now you can see for yourself how sequestration would impact your state. we have links to reports in virginia and maryland and the district. >> jim graham has been reprimanded for his role in a lottery contract scandal. they voted to strip grahanm of the key to position.

graham was on the metro's board. >> investigators have ruled the deadly fire and accident. -- an accident. because splake -- flames to spread to a home. two and sisters were killed and four others were injured. the smoke alarm was not functional at the time. >> there is another spike in the price of gas. 10 cents just in the last week. nationally the average is $3.78 a gallon. in the district is averaging more than $4. it is slightly lower in maryland and virginia. drivers paying an average of only $3.70 a gallon. >> that price of fuel in virginia soon could be changing if the governor signed into law a massive transportation overhaul that shows how everyone pays for roads. we have a look at who benefits

and who pays the price here. >> it is no secret that many of our area roads are aging badly. some northern virginia residents have been waiting decades but this is a mixed bag. there are winners and losers in hybrid owners are especially upset. northern virginia is aging roads may be getting some help from richmond soon. at a price. >> that is a little bit frustrating. >> she is a bit wayry of a funding bill. the bill replaces her 17.5 cent gas tax with a 3.5% post-sales tax. a savings of 10 cents a gallon. statewide sales taxes would increase from 5% to 5.3%. >> it will be the same. everyone gets their money. >> the losers here, truck drivers who face a 6% levy on

wholesale diesel and hybrid owners. >> i was doing the right thing for myself and my wallet and the environment. >> this driver is outraged about the registration fee for easy and the gas hybrids. >> now they are penalizing us with the tax which is disturbing to me. >> the soderling of virginia could receive $1 billion in repair funds. hydrbrid elaris did not know it would cost grain to be green. >> $80 to -- i am willing to pay the $100 if it improves the state of the road. >> wednesday lawmaker has started an on-line petition asking the governor to veto this hybrid feet. the governor has said he is considering various amendments before this shakes out. >> thank you.

there's a new test that promises to reveal the inner workings of your paths mind. abc 7 investigates. >> a shocking murder leads an elderly couple that in a quiet community. the suspect remains at large. >> i look back at the oscars. the best and worst moments and

ask for the second time in a weak parts of the midwest are buried in a winter storm. >> a wide-ranging impact on millions of people. >> right now parts of the midwest are expecting wide at conditions. blizzard warnings and watches are facin effect for kansas and oklahoma. it is going on right now through very late this evening. this is in the texas panhandle. the national weather service took this video outside their amarillo office preconditions got so bad the texas department transportation pull the plows off the road. the state of oklahoma close all

highways in six counties warning of wind up to 65 miles per hour tonight. >> i have done this seven times today. >> this man in colorado spend hours trying to clear one parking lot. more than 9 inches of snow fell in denver, canceling or delaying hundreds of flights. >> we're in colorado. get used to it. that is the way it is. >> high winds are going eastward toward oklahoma, kansas, and missouri. 26 inches of snow is expected for wichita, kan. after a foot in today's last week. road crews say they have already used half of their sand and salt from the last storm. >> even after the snowfall was over you could have what is defined as a ground blizzard which is so much snow blowing it seems like it is still coming down even when the actual precipitation has ended. >> forecasters say wichita could get another foot of snow by

tomorrow. >> another reminder of how mile that has been for us this winter. we have missed so many things like that. >> the metro area, the i-95 corridor, maybe some flooding from the rain. western -- in western elevations to get ice. and then gets windy and wednesday. you need a scorecard with the other forecast. we can look at one of the cameras. during the day a few high clouds mixing with jet contrails. a beautiful day and temperatures in the upper 40's. tomorrow it is not going to look like this outside. it will be cloudy and wet. kind of nasty around the area. a beautiful day today. temperatures are comfortable enough.

the wind is nearly calm within easterly flavor. that is key because the easterly wind is a component with what will happen with the weather around the next 2436 hours. temperatures are in the 40's. the average high is 50 degrees. we're below the mark but not bitterly cold. just kind of cool but the sunshine is very nice. let's go traveling by satellite and radar to show you stuff happening. a storm with the big snow out of texas and oklahoma and showers and thunderstorms and a possibility of severe weather over the south. that is one system. the second storm system developing on the coast so we have two to deal with. both in different measures will have their effect on us. it will be separated by location tomorrow. the east of the mountains, east of the blue ridge it will be rain. to the west it will be ice. take a look at these warnings. all kinds of heavy snow

warnings. tornado watches in yellow. flood warnings, all kinds of stuff from the systems. a large area in purple of winter weather by azeris and ice storm warnings to the west. for the rec drought -- metro region in green. this is the flood watch for tomorrow. and then west of the interstate 81 corridor at the higher elevations. all these areas are winter weather advisory is. -- advisories. a very dynamic parikh systems. east of the main area is the area of rain where we will be tomorrow. some pretty good areas of rain, maybe 1 to 2 inches as it tapers off. temperatures above freezing. that elevation to the west is where we will pick up the possibility of sleet and freezing rain and possible accretion of vice especially in

the highest elevations. -- and accretion of ice especially in the highest elevations. wednesday will be a nice day. a cloudy start and temperatures in the low to the mid 30's. the temperatures are well into the 40's. there is a surprise for wednesday. partly sunny and breezy and warm. colder weather on thursday and friday may be accompanied by a storm shower. and the same story on friday. every time you think old man winter is gone he comes back and gets you. >> has been crazy. every day is different. >> he is like a stalker. >> see you later. >> tonight sean decides to see

how much the final three contestants trust to my answer situations. -- trust him in certain situations. >> i am thinking there is no way will be able to make it through your without killing both of us. >> [scream] >> durinnarrowing the field tonight. >> coming up. the growing push for legalizing marijuana. the unique conference in our area that is wrapping up. >> a husband and wives murder has a community on edge as police search for the man they believe is responsible. >> what were your most favorite moments from last

>> the dust settoingling on the academy awards. >> we have been talking about some of the surprises. a look at what moment really stand out from last night. >> it was a fun show. it makes everyone a critic. the folks are ripping the host, seth mcfarland.

he and others made it a memorable show. there are many moments last night that have people talking today. quex that opening monologue. that whole thing was great. >> i liked the monologue. >> said mcfarlaneth mcfarland seemed to straddle the fence. >> the comedian is getting mixed reviews for his gritty sense of humor. the reviews are near unanimous for jennifer lawrence. despite taking a fall on the way to accept the best actress oscar. >> that is really embarrassing that thank you. >> that moment seemed to in dear viewers. >> jennifer lawrence, she looked

gorgeous. i think that she handled herself real well when she tripped up the steps. i love just what she had to say. she is young and amazingly talented. >> this local filmmakers took the oscar for best documentary. >> anything with this movie i think my wife -- thank my wife. >> when ben affleck gave his speech, it was emotional. i kind of iked the way he felt. -- like the way he felt. >> we cannot argue with the numbers. your ship was up 19% in the top market. 39 million people watched.

the highest ratings in three years. >> there will be happy if they get the right viewers. they're looking for guys your age. >> you can see the highlights from the trip and get a list of the winners right now. >> they took a lot of great pictures. there on the website. new developments in the cruise ship disaster off the coast of italy. the latest push to hold someone responsible. >> another scandal rocks the catholic church. >> a man wanted in connection with a double murder in faulkner county [ anouncer ] ihop is in time

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>> you're watching abc 7 news at 5. on your side. >> a committee is in shock tonight after an elderly couple is found murdered inside their home. >> the man police believe is responsible is suspected in another attack. jeff gold birk joins us from the scene to explain. >> police in fredericksburg said a man who committed an assault over the weekend may be wanted in connection with this murder. this crime was discovered yesterday afternoon but when it

to place is still unknown. along with the bigger question of why. the fact that this area is usually so still. >> it is quiet. hardly anything happens. >> it makes me sick. it is scary for us. >> she held my grandma be at church. >> they sheriff's office got a call sunday morning from friends who were concerned when they did not show up at the plains baptist church. forced entry led to the discovery of both the slacks dead from what authorities are calling upper body trauma. >> it is bad enough 1 but when both? >> investigators are looking for john jeffries. a registered sex offender wanted

four felonies in spotsylvania county. jeffries car was found near the scene. >> they probably knew each other. >> i take extra precautions to be safe. >> jefferies is considered a violent, armed, and dangerous. >> why did he do this? why? >> the victim described the suspect in that crime is looking a lot like john jeffries. the fredericksburg police and sheriff's office are closely involved in a manhunt in looking for the suspect in potentially both of these crimes. >> the teen accused of shooting a classmate with special needs at perry hall high school has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. robert gladden was charged with

first-degree murder. he opened fire in the cafeteria on the first day of classes. daniel was hurt in that shooting. >> the first ever medical marijuana conference has wrapped up on capitol hill. the conference was held by americans for safe access. the largest national organization promoting safe and legal access to marijuana for therapeutic use in research. hundreds of patients and advocates met with members of congress to discuss changing federal policy. >> it is something that can unite conservatives and liberals. it can make some progress in congress this year. >> medical marijuana retailers will soon have to pay some hefty taxes. the irs has ruled dispensaries cannot deduct standard operating expenses like rotondaro.

>> now for a look at the other top stories. a mistrial declared in the case of a accused serial killer. jason scott was on trial for two murders. the judge does -- declared a mistrial. the judge had ruled the jury would only be hearing about one home invasion in some of both. >> a suspect arrested in the death of a prince georges county teenager. he was gunned down while walking to central high school and september. police have charged a 20-year- old with the murder. >> parts of the midwest are expecting whiteout conditions. witte warnings and watches are in effect. 56 more inches of snow is expected for wichita, kansas. quex that winter storm will be a big topic of discussion ahead on world news. an interesting follow-up on

oscars. >> good evening. there is some severe weather sweeping through the country tonight. >> this is a massive storm on the move as you mentioned. the blizzard warnings and severe weather warnings, 17 states. we have a remarkable video authorities have released so people will heed the warnings. the oscar fallout world away. why michelle obama's output was changed without her even knowing. >> that sounds interesting. also something so many of us can relate to. prescription drugs, it can really add up if you need to get them every single month. we show you some ways to save. >> some real money. if anyone tells the prescription out there -- fills a prescription out there. the steps that will save you thousands by year's end. the family that we help out are brought to tears when they find out how much it will save.

>> we will see you tonight. thank you. you can watch the stories and more tonight on world news after abc 7 news at 6:00 p.m. >> an italian prosecutors are seeking a trial for the costa concordia capt.. prosecutor's request to the indictment of five other crew members. the ship wrecked last january and is off the -- it was of the tuscan coast. 32 died. >> a cyclist is fighting for his life after a major crash in southwest d.c.. it happened this morning in the 600 block of maryland ave. the cyclist was unconscious due to head injuries when he was taken to the hospital. the driver who struck the cyclist stayed at the scene. no word on whether any charges will be filed. time for a look at the traffic situation. we have the details. >> we see delays 395 south here

in washington boulevard as you work your way toward duke street. and near quantico. we had a clrash the closure. your travel lanes are open. delays starting in virginia across the legion bridge as you work your way toward the 270 spur, delays coming toward you. that is the outer loop from this birk across from legion. some slow traffic on the outer lips of the beltway. the lanes on the spur on 270 with additional lanes heading near montgomery village avenue. that is the latest. back to you. >> coming up on abc 7 news at 5:00 p.m. a scientific test promises to reveal insight into your pets and your thought. we test our own dog to find out.

>> pope benedict xvi order some big changes. another scandal at the church. >> two well-known companies teaming up to make a change to our cars.

>> the conclave to choose the successor to pope benedict xvi could come about sooner than expected. >> as the vatican prepares for historic change. there's also some damage control under way. a day after speaking from the window for the last time. pope benedict xvi change the rules for the upcoming conclave. letting cardinals' move but they start date if they're in a room before the 15-day transitional period. this could be the most important decision of his life. >> i really [inaudible] said that i can hear that voice. >> the conclave will get under way amid new turbulence. today the vatican announced pope benedict xvi has accepted the

resignation of scotland's top catholic figure. saying he turns 75 next month. the normal retirement age for bishop. just yesterday the british paper reported allegations that he abused four men studying to be priests in the 1980's. in los angeles some are demanding that roger mahoney not the allowed to vote sing he covered up the crimes of pedophile priests. >> this is knocking at the door of the conclave. >> the cardinals descend on rome try to focus on choosing a new sheppard, not on the mudslinging. a vatican experts as while some cardinals have not voted due to illness, electing a pulp is their most important duty. none has ever before passed a big conclave due to personal scandal. >> thank you. next on abc 7 news at 5:00 p.m.

>> loud voices, hoping their school is not closed. i will have that story next. >> new guidelines for doctors treating ear infections in young children. >> find out what science has to

>> what comes to your dog, do you understand how it makes decisions? no. >> and new scientific test claims to reveal the answer by looking at your dogsdog's cognitive ability. >> we're putting some of our pets to that test. dr. katie nelson has the results. >> even though we gave the dogs the test, the trash talking began. >> is on. >> shamrock is a much smarter

than olive. >> this test is not about which dog is murderous. it analyzes how dogs make decisions. using science based games created by duke university's canine, mission center. >> that is the purpose of the test, to show the weaknesses and strengths and understand your dog. what makes your dog think and react and problem-solving. >> with a few household items and quite a few traits. you test things like how long your dog will hold your gaze. issue will sneak a tree when you are not looking. -- treat when you are not looking. or she follows your queue or her memory. instead results reveal your dog's personality type. >> protodog is reminiscent of

the dog that started relationships with humans. >> she is good at everything. >> airport describes your -- a report describes your dog's abilities. >> she depends on me for our memory. >> she got the thing about coming to my right side a matter what i do. >> dognition costs $60 per dog and takes 90 minutes to complete. >> they are focused with food. >> and my dog is left handed. >> she's very cute. >> i'll tell her you said so.

we have some new guidelines on treating childhood ear infections. the american academy of pediatricians recommend parents monitor kids for three days before taking them to the doctor. the group says the overuse of antibiotics is creating a madison-resistant strain of bacteria. if there are symptoms like a high fever or pain you should see a doctor right away. >> and the benefit of a popular guy. the mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of heart attack stroke, and other heart-related deaths by 30%. the study followed 7500 people in spain. half of them were told to eat a low-fat diet and the others, the mediterranean diet. it was recommended those who drink alcohol consumed seven glasses of wine a week. >> what surprised me, for years

we recommended a low-fat diet for people. i die at that selects the proper facts rather than going for no fat can be better for your heart. >> there are some questions. not send all oil are good in moderation but it could be possible to can soothe too much. the key is portion control. now some students who are challenging themselves in important ways. i talked with hundreds of students in to come apart. they're trying to achieve a major goal. try to get every single student in college. they hope 100% of the senior class makes it. last year they had one under%. there at 71% already accepted into college this year. with hard work and determination we know they're going to do it. a way to go. keep at it.

>> it looks like you told a few jokes. >> let's see what is coming up at 6:00 p.m. >> as you know, where four days from the start of sequestration. forfederal workers are concerned about the impact furloughs will have on their financial bottom line. we will talk to a government employee who has already received a furlough notice. one of the biggest auto maker teams up with the technology giant to offer it groundbreaking new piece of technology. we will see you soon at 6:00 p.m. thank you. >> in the meantime, a nice day today. >> it sounds like tomorrow could get interesting. >> tomorrow will not be beautiful. kind of a nasty day.

we will get back to good weather by wednesday. 44 in arlington. a light southerly breeze putting a wind chill in the air. 50 is the average in this day in washington. the existing one over south georgia and this one will be a silly storm. we may get too much rain. enough to cause some flooding. this is the center of flood

watches. and we could see issues with ice. you get far enough west, winter storm whether warnings. and colder with some flurries ann coulter over the weekend. back to you. >> thank you. >> the last couple of weeks we have been showing you some noted athletes and how they're reaching out to others and we will do that again today. these people have been using their notoriety to gain access in the strike to influence lives. terri miller believes the only disability and life is a bad attitude. >> jamaiah lewis got a visit from a world-class athlete. >> it gives me hope in knowing that i could have -- i could do whatever it is i can do even

though i lost my legs. >> kerry miller is a two time silver medalist. >> it is not about if i can do something. it is about how and finding ways to do the things i want to do. maybe a different way but i can still do it. >> miller was in a horrific car accident losing both her legs. she never lost her will to live or her sense of humor. >> i did not have the ability to wear high heels again. for women, you are like, my outfits will never be right and you start getting depressed. >> she is helping others overcome disabilities. >> through the process of saving her life, her leg had to be decapitated. >> she is improving every day. with the help of kerry she's learning how sports can help curtis -- overcome her disability. >> that is the most important

part to me and just to see her glowing again. even after being so sick. to see her return to herself has been amazing. >> athletes reaching out. it is interesting to see how sports is a common denominator. she has a great attitude. >> she has had a great impact on the little girl.

>> parents are leading the last effort to save and all boys d.c. charter school. >> some as young as 3 years old concerned that it did not know where they will end of next year. quex instead of city hall a last attempt at singing their school. a handful of public charter

school students made sure the message was loud and clear. >> we want to get people to save our school. >> a fourth grader came to with -- with his classmates including his mother. >> we might not have a school to go to. >> we have an all boys school for our reason. we take responsibility and pride. >> no other school is the same. >> we reached out to the chairmen who told us it was a top tier academy. poor academic performance and low enrollment is the reason for closing the school. the school did not have any other options. after a lease ends in june.

>> either the board was misinformed, had no idea what was going on or did not care. >> it is all about money. it is not about what -- an interest in education for boris. >> students are not sure what classroom there will be in next year. >> they public charter school were makes its decision on whether the school closes tonight. >> that is it for abc 7 news at 5:00 p.m. abc 7 news at 6:00 p.m. starts now. >> live and in hd. this is abc 7 news at 6:00 p.m. on your side. >> good evening. we are less than four days away from the start of the sequestration. we have a closer look at the billions of dollars expected to be cut in this region and the nation. for some of your home you've already seen or preparing to see